Residents demand action on flooded storm drain issues in Pearl Street area

The Cortland City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to address several pressing issues affecting the community, including funding for public safety, energy aggregation, and ongoing stormwater management concerns.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the allocation of $200,000 collected from real estate taxes, which is intended to support the police department's acquisition of new equipment. Council members confirmed that this funding is part of the annual bookkeeping process, similar to previous practices related to firehouse grants.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the city's energy aggregation program. The council discussed the current contract with Archer Energy, which is providing electricity at a rate of $5.05 per kilowatt-hour. Concerns were raised about the potential for price increases in the coming months, which could affect residents' utility bills. The council noted that if residents opt out of the program, their rates would remain unchanged, but they would still face rising costs regardless of their choice.

Additionally, the council addressed issues related to the city's gas aggregation contract with Eastern Power and Gas, which is set to remain at a rate of $3.75 until 2026, despite market fluctuations.

Public comments highlighted ongoing frustrations regarding stormwater management, particularly from resident Greg Corson, who expressed concerns about collapsed storm drain tiles on Denman Avenue. Corson detailed the erosion and flooding issues he has faced over the past year, exacerbated by recent heavy rains. He criticized the lack of communication and action from city officials regarding the repairs needed to alleviate the flooding in his area. The council acknowledged the issue and committed to discussing it further with the superintendent, Chris Miner, upon his return from vacation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to follow up on the stormwater issues raised by residents and to ensure that necessary actions are taken to address the ongoing concerns. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of timely communication and resolution for the community's needs.